I will be spending Thursday afternoon at the White House as part of a group invited by President Obama to join him in celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month. I feel deeply honored to have received this invitation. And whatever one thinks about this President, his administration, its policies on Israel, etc. if you love America and are proud of being Jewish, this is a big deal. Anyone who fails to grasp that places their personal politics ahead of their devotion to our nation, the Jewish people or both.
According to a White House press release, “the reception serves as an opportunity to highlight and celebrate the range and depth of Jewish American heritage and contributions to American culture, with guests representing the many walks of life that have helped weave the fabric of American history.”
In his proclamation declaring May to be Jewish American Heritage Month the President said, “The Jewish American story is an essential chapter of the American narrative. It is one of refuge from persecution; of commitment to service, faith, democracy, and peace; and of tireless work to achieve success. As leaders in every facet of American life – from athletics, entertainment, and the arts to academia, business, government, and our Armed Forces – Jewish Americans have shaped our Nation and helped steer the course of our history. We are a stronger and more hopeful country because so many Jews from around the world have made America their home.”
So I ask you, what do you think are the greatest contributions made by Jews to this country? I am also curious if you think the contributors’ Jewishness was a real factor in the contributions which they made, or merely a fact of their existence in which Jews now take pride?
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Author, radio and TV talk show host, and President of CLAL-The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership, Brad Hirschfield is the author of 
posted May 25, 2010 at 12:25 pm
Rabbi Brad; in my living room are book cases filled with works by Jewish-American authors. The books range from fiction to instructive to inspirational to the comic. My favorite is an illlustrated edition of Jewish history and immigration that is outrageously funny. That’s what this country is all about and what is being celebrated at the White House: a nation where authors are free to create without fear of death, criminal prosecution, or expulsion.
posted May 26, 2010 at 8:19 am
“So I ask you, what do you think are the greatest contributions made by Jews to this country?”
The unquestionable right and duty of community to love, help and provide opportunity for success and achievement in the land of the free. These principles in the Jewish community have contributed to the vision of democracy and self-determination in the true sense of spirituality. A faith with works to show exceptionalism.
posted May 27, 2010 at 5:54 pm
Dear Rabbi Brad,
Today is May 26. Today is also the first time I’ve ever heard of Jewish American Heritage Month. As a resident of the Detroit area,which I’m sure you know that we’re one of the largest Jewish communities in the country, I find it both curious and disturbing that NONE of my friends or family, as well
as myself, haven’t heard a word about it. I have attended shul twice this month.
I guess what I’m getting at, the word is not getting out there to the public (JEWISH OR NOT). I don’t expect the same response as African-American History Month, but surely we can do better.
Regards,
Larry Woronoff
posted May 27, 2010 at 6:01 pm
P.S.
How are we to spread the word when this message wasn’t sent until
2 days ago?
posted May 27, 2010 at 8:24 pm
Why do you have shellfish (traife)recipies on this site?
posted May 29, 2010 at 8:54 pm
We, the US would be entirely different today, if the Jewish community had not fianancially contributed to President Washington during the war with England.
posted May 29, 2010 at 9:41 pm
why is this the first I am hearing that May was declared Jewish American month? there is only a few days left to the month. Will this be a yearly thing?
we’ve contributed historically to so much I am glad we’re being recognized but it would be nice if this had been mentioned May 1st
posted May 29, 2010 at 11:22 pm
You can say what you like about putting politics first, but a photo op with the most anti-Israel president in history doesn’t do much for me. Maybe if it were promoted the way Black History month is, I’d have a different opinion.
As for greatest contributions, Haym Solomon funding the Revolution & Robert Oppenheimer developing the A-bomb that led to the end of WWII have to be two of the most important in our history.
posted May 30, 2010 at 9:59 am
stop promoting your favorite anti -israeli president. enough is enough. soon we will be in galut if jews keep voting for this jerk. dont you know we are counting the days till his presidency is up just like we count the days to lag baomer….nice guy he is and beautiful family he has but thats it. He had his chance to proveto the USA that hes gona put his citizens first. notice hes worried more about the people on the other side ofthe USA border? i mean…CMON!!!!!!!and by the way did you know since you have voted, and many jews, have contributed to the killings of many newborns(late term abortions!! well have fun at the white house but im not impressed. 35 days took this prez to even do something about the BP spill and it still leaking. this has been a fun adventure for the prez as hes vacationing and having a good time while many USA citizens are living in trailor parks in tents! shame shame shame!! and the lies lies lies. are you ever going to open your eyes finally.wel lhave fun with the other chicago crooked politician RHAM. Most jews regret ever voting for these chicago crooked politicians. you can boast and this white house getogether but we arent stupid anymore. we saw the presidents true colors and that he doesnt have a very strong backbone!! wake up and smell the coffee. if this president doesnt leave we are all going to drown and lose our country to illegals. dont you know hes trying to get the illegals voting power and amnhesty so that they can be his future votes…….is that the type of president you want? OY VA VOY>>>>praying that you open your eyes and see the truth!!Democratic is totatlly against the torah remember that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!very unimpressive president…very sad moment in our history!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!and with all the mosques going up this year…….and towers………we can pray that we will be safe in the years to come!!!!!!!!!!!
posted May 31, 2010 at 1:30 pm
There is no doubt that Yiddishkeit is engrained in our souls, our culture, and in American society! People use Jewish words, phrases, & philosophies in their everyday life, without knowing where they come from. Isn’t tzedakah the basis of so much our country is dedicated to?